Newly found beetle named for West Virginia State official

W.Va. News

Dec 19, 2017

INSTITUTE, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia State University says a newly discovered species of beetle has been named in honor of one of the university’s administrators.
The Pachybrachis mcmeansi Barney was discovered by West Virginia State professor emeritus Robert J. Barney, who retired in 2015. Barney said in a news release from the school that he wanted to name the beetle in honor of Orlando F. McMeans, who supported his research and professional advancement.
Barney has named 20 new species of beetles during his career.
McMeans says he was a little overwhelmed at the honor but says it’s exciting to have his name attached to the beetle. McMeans is West Virginia State’s vice president for research and public service.
The beetle is black and yellow and has been found in scattered distribution from Maine to Arkansas.